Storage container

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to storage containers, and more particularly, to storage containers having a base and a lid coupled together by way of a hinge assembly for selectively opening and closing the storage container for selective access to the contents of the storage container.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Storage containers are well known in the art. Typical storage containers include a base having a number of walls that cooperate to define a cavity and an opening through which items to be stored within the cavity may be introduced. These storage containers oftentimes include a lid that may be placed over the opening to prevent access to or protect the contents of the storage container. The lid may be provided either completely separate from the base and secured to the base by snapping or otherwise mechanically engaging the lid with a portion of the base surrounding the opening. In other instances, the lid may be hingedly coupled to the base such that the lid remains attached to the base and is movable between a closed position in which the lid covers the opening and an open position in which the lid is rotated about the hinges of the storage container to a position being slightly past vertical such that the lid may come to rest once it reaches the open position.

A latch element may be provided to selectively lock the lid to the base to prevent removal of the lid from the base. A locking device such as a padlock or the like may be provided in some cases for further securing the contents of the storage container by preventing the latch element from being opened while the locking device is in place. These storage containers are commonly constructed of a plastic material or similarly durable material formed through a molding process just as blow molding or similar such process.

Storage containers of this type suffer from a number of known disadvantages. For storage containers in which the lid is entirely separable from the base, the lid may become lost or may be easily damaged or discarded rendering the storage container less than suitable for providing secure storage for the contents of the storage container. Where the lid is hingedly coupled to the base, storage containers of this type typically have hinge constructions that are generally weak and susceptible to being damaged through repeated or careless use. Further, hinges of this type are constructed such that the lid is not releasable from the hinge. Accordingly, when the lid is opened harshly or an external force such as a gust of wind or an object contacts the lid when it is in its opened position, the hinges are susceptible to failure and may break under the applied force therefore rendering the storage container unsuitable for secure storage of items therein. Further, known hinges allow for the lid to be rotated to a point slightly past vertical such that the lid may come to rest in an open position without requiring the user to hold the lid so that the user may more easily access the contents of the storage container. However, when the lid is maintained in this position, it is susceptible to being subjected to further wear and tear particularly about the hinges.

Yet another disadvantage of storage containers of the prior art including a hinged construction is that the storage containers are relatively difficult and expensive to transport. In particular, storage containers of this type cannot be nested or stacked with one another because the lids of the storage containers interfere with the stacking thereof. Accordingly, such storage containers must be transported on pallets or the like individually, which takes up a great deal of space, which understandably increases the cost of transporting such containers from a manufacturing facility to distributors and retailers. Further, once the storage containers reach their final destination, e.g. point of sale, because they cannot be stored in a nested or stacked manner, they take up a considerable amount of shelf space thereby limiting the number of units that a retailer may keep in stock at a given time.

A storage container that overcomes one or more of the foregoing identified disadvantages is therefore desired.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

A storage container according to the present invention includes a base hingedly coupled to a lid. The base includes a number of walls that define a cavity and an opening through which the contents to be stored within the base may be introduced. The base and the lid may be formed by way of a conventional molding process such as blow molding and may be constructed from a plastic or similarly durable material. The base and the lid may additionally be formed from double walled plastic to further enhance the structural integrity of the storage container for protecting the contents stored therein.

The base may have one or more apertures formed near an upper edge of the base. The apertures may be formed after the molding process by way of punching or other such means of mechanical formation. The base may additionally include at least one undercut portion formed during the molding process. The lid may include one or more pins arranged at one edge thereof for rotation of the lid with respect to the base between an open position and a closed position.

The lid is coupled to the base by one or more hinge assemblies. The hinge assemblies may be constructed of a plastic material and may be constructed through a separate molding process such as, for example, injection molding. The hinge assemblies include one or more hook elements configured to engage the apertures of the base to thereby couple the hinge assemblies to the base. The hinge assemblies may include, on an opposing end thereof, a pawl or finger element configured to engage the undercut portion of the base. The combination of the hook elements and the pawl elements serves to act in opposition with one another to further secure the hinge assemblies to the base.

The hinge assemblies further include one or more receivers. The receivers may have a C-shaped construction and are configured to receive the pins of the lid. In particular, the pins of the lid may be snap fit into the space defined by the receivers to secure the lid to the hinge assembly. The receivers of the hinge assemblies are configured to allow for the lid to be selectively removed from the hinge assemblies and thereby the base. Accordingly, when exposed to excess force, the lid may simply break away from the base so that the hinge assembly is not damaged by being subjected to excess torque.

In addition, the lid may be maintained separately from the base during transport and at the point of sale. Accordingly, a number of bases may be nested with one another to reduce the amount of space necessary during transport and on the shelves at the point of sale.

Moreover, the construction of the hinge assembly allows for the lid to be rotated well past vertical. In at least one construction of the storage container of the present invention, the lid may be rotated about the hinge assembly between approximately 110 and 230 degrees relative to the closed position.

The storage container may additionally include a latch coupled to the base and configured to engage a portion of the lid to further secure the lid in place. The latch along with the hinge assembly is configured such that the lid may not be removed when it is in its closed position.

These and other aspects and objects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is an isometric view of a storage container according to the present invention with a lid of the storage container in a closed position;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a front elevation view of the storage container of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a rear elevation view of the storage container of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a side elevation view of the storage container of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> wherein the opposing side comprises a similar construction;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a bottom plan view of the storage container of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a top plan view of the storage container of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref> is a partial view of the storage container of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> showing a detailed view of a latch element in an engaged position;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref> is a partial view of the storage container of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> like that of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref>, showing a detailed view of the latch element in a disengaged position;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is an isometric view of the storage container of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> with the lid of the storage container rotated to an open position;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a top plan view of the storage container as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrating a cavity thereof;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is an exploded view of the storage container of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11A</figref> is a partial view of the storage container of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> showing a detailed view of the construction of a hinge assembly thereof;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11B</figref> is a partial view of the hinge assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11A</figref> shown from an opposite side;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12A</figref> is an isometric view of the lid;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12B</figref> is a partial view of the lid of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> showing a pin thereof; and

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is an isometric view of two bases according to the present invention nested with one another for transport thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.

Referring now to the drawings, and initially <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref>, a storage container <b>20</b> according to the present invention is illustrated. Storage container <b>20</b> includes a base <b>22</b> and a lid <b>24</b> hingedly coupled to one another by a pair of spaced hinge assemblies <b>26</b> provided on a rear of the storage container <b>20</b>. A latch element <b>28</b> is provided on a front of the storage container <b>20</b> for selectively locking the lid <b>24</b> to the base <b>22</b>.

Base <b>22</b> may be constructed from any relatively durable material such as plastic for example. In at least one construction of base <b>22</b>, the base <b>22</b> is constructed as a dual wall construction of a plastic material. In another embodiment, the base <b>22</b> is constructed as a single wall through a blow molding process. Base <b>22</b> may be constructed through any other conventional process as is generally understood. Base <b>22</b> includes a front wall <b>30</b>, and opposing rear wall <b>32</b>, a pair of opposing end walls <b>34</b>, <b>36</b>, and a bottom wall <b>38</b> that together define a cavity for storing items within storage container <b>20</b>. The base <b>22</b> includes an opening through which the items may be introduced and which is selectively coverable by the lid <b>24</b> as will be discussed herein.

Base <b>22</b>, as illustrated has a generally rectangular cross section, although it is understood that base <b>22</b> may have any alternative construction in keeping with the spirit of the present invention. Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> in particular, the front wall <b>30</b> of base <b>22</b> is illustrated. Front wall <b>22</b> includes a number of spaced, vertically extending depressions <b>40</b> adjacent a lower edge of front wall <b>22</b>. Depressions <b>40</b> may be provided for increasing the structural stiffness of base <b>22</b> and for facilitating nesting of one or more additional bases with one another. Base <b>22</b> may further include embossed or otherwise formed indicia <b>42</b> across a portion of front wall <b>30</b> for identifying, for example, a product, manufacturer, model name, or the like. Turning now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, rear wall <b>32</b> may include a construction much like that of front wall <b>30</b> including one or more depressions <b>40</b> formed over a surface thereof. Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, a representative view of one of end walls <b>34</b>, <b>36</b> is illustrated. As shown, end walls <b>34</b>, <b>36</b> have a generally rectangular shape and may include one or more depressions (not shown) like those of front wall <b>30</b> and rear wall <b>32</b>. The walls <b>30</b>, <b>32</b>, <b>34</b>, and <b>36</b> may slope downwardly as shown.

Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, a view of the exterior of bottom wall <b>38</b> of base <b>22</b> is provided. Bottom wall <b>38</b> may include one or more depression <b>44</b> over a portion of the surface thereof. Again, depression <b>44</b> may be configured for increasing the structural integrity of the base <b>22</b>. Moreover, bottom wall <b>38</b> may further include a number of support element <b>46</b> mounted to each of the corners thereof. Support elements <b>46</b> may be configured to wrap around the corner between the bottom wall <b>38</b> and over a portion of the end walls <b>34</b>, <b>36</b> and/or front wall <b>30</b> and rear wall <b>32</b>. Support elements <b>46</b> may be configured to provide a sturdy support for the base when it is supported on a surface. Further, support elements <b>46</b> may include additional structure configured to prevent the base from sliding across the surface on which it is supported. In particular, support elements <b>46</b> include a generally beveled edge <b>48</b> configured to resist sliding movement of base <b>22</b>.

Base <b>22</b> extends upwardly from bottom wall <b>38</b> and terminates in an outwardly flanged perimeter <b>50</b> that extends around the entire periphery of base <b>22</b>. Of course, flanged perimeter <b>50</b> may be configured to only extend outwardly from a portion of base <b>22</b> or may include additional contours or the like. Referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, perimeter <b>50</b> may include one or more recesses <b>52</b> formed on an underside thereof. Recesses <b>52</b> are configured for receiving the user's fingers and/or hand to enable the user to comfortably carry the storage container <b>20</b>. In particular, in at least one construction of the present invention, each end wall <b>34</b>, <b>36</b> includes a single recess <b>52</b> generally aligned with one another so that the user may comfortably grasp the recesses on each side for carrying the base <b>22</b>. Alternative constructions of the base are within the scope of the present invention whereby the base <b>22</b> may be entirely devoid of recesses or may include one or more additional recesses along each end wall <b>34</b>, <b>36</b> or along one or both of the front wall <b>30</b> and rear wall <b>32</b>. Further, base <b>22</b> may include one or more graspable handles integrally formed with or otherwise secured to one or more of the front wall <b>30</b>, rear wall <b>32</b>, and end walls <b>34</b>, <b>36</b>. Handles of this type are well known throughout the art and may be rigidly coupled to the base <b>22</b> or may include means for enabling the handle to hingedly or otherwise rotate to make grasping thereof more comfortable.

Turning now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1</figref>, <b>2</b>, <b>7</b>A, and <b>7</b>B, a latch element <b>28</b> coupled to front wall <b>30</b> about perimeter <b>50</b> is provided. Understandably, latch element <b>28</b> may be coupled to one side walls <b>34</b>, <b>36</b> or one or more additional latching assemblies may be provided along one or more of front wall <b>30</b> and side walls <b>34</b>, <b>36</b>. Latch element <b>28</b> is configured to selectively engage lid <b>24</b> for securing lid <b>24</b> to the base to cover the opening of base <b>22</b> as is generally understood. Latch element may include a pivot pin <b>58</b> mounted to perimeter <b>50</b> in a recessed portion <b>60</b> thereof. In particular, pivot pin <b>58</b> may extend horizontally across the recessed portion <b>60</b> and defines an axis about which the latch element pivots for selectively engaging the lid <b>24</b>. Latch element <b>24</b> further includes a body <b>62</b> that extends upwardly from pivot pin <b>58</b> and which has a generally U-shaped construction. Body <b>62</b> may include one or more grooves or raised surfaces <b>64</b> across the length thereof for providing a user with tactile feedback when gripping the latch element <b>28</b>. Body <b>62</b> may further include a longitudinally extending recess <b>66</b> and a laterally extending aperture <b>68</b>. Recess <b>66</b> and aperture <b>68</b> are configured to accommodate a locking element, e.g. padlock or combination lock and a portion of lid <b>24</b> respectively for enabling the further securing of latch element <b>28</b> to lid <b>24</b> as will be discussed in greater detail herein.

Latch element <b>28</b> may be formed by way of the molding process. In at least one construction of the present invention, latch element <b>28</b> is formed by a separate molding process and coupled to base <b>22</b> after the molding of base <b>22</b>. In particular, after base <b>22</b> is created via blow molding or a similar molding process and during the curing process in which base <b>22</b> is cooling, the pivot pin <b>60</b> may be inserted into the sides of perimeter <b>50</b> defining recess <b>66</b> to thereby couple the latch element <b>28</b> to base <b>22</b>. This is done during cooling of the base so that no other holes or other such receiving elements in the base <b>22</b> are required. Further this provides a more structurally rigid base. In this manner, as the base <b>22</b> continues to cure/cool after the insertion of pivot pin <b>60</b>, the pivot pin <b>60</b> becomes secured to the base <b>22</b> by way of a snug physical fit therebetween. Body <b>62</b> therefore includes a portion configured to be received about pivot pin <b>60</b> to enable rotation therearound.

It is understood that the construction of base <b>22</b> described herein is merely exemplary and that the base may be configured in any number of alternative manners including the absence of one or all of the aforementioned features.

Referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, lid <b>24</b> according to the invention may be formed by way of a similar molding process of base <b>22</b>. Lid <b>24</b> may be constructed from the same or similar material as base <b>22</b>. Lid <b>24</b> is molded in a separate molding operation as that of base <b>22</b>. In at least one construction of lid <b>24</b>, lid <b>24</b> has a dual wall construction. Lid <b>24</b> includes a generally flat top <b>70</b> and a flanged perimeter <b>72</b> that extends downwardly from top <b>70</b> around the entire periphery of lid <b>24</b>. Top <b>70</b> may include depressions <b>71</b> across a surface thereof for increasing the rigidity thereof. Lid <b>24</b> generally has a size and shape configured to cooperate with base <b>22</b> so as to be receivable over the opening of base <b>22</b> in a substantially secure manner. Lid <b>24</b> is configured to provide a water resistant seal about base <b>22</b> so as to prevent damage to the contents of base <b>22</b> as is generally recognized. A front <b>74</b> of lid <b>24</b> includes a recessed portion <b>76</b> for accommodating the latch element <b>28</b>. In particular, recessed portion <b>76</b> includes a cutout portion that defines a ledge <b>78</b> configured to receive body <b>62</b> of latch element <b>28</b>. In particular, ledge <b>78</b> is configured to receive an upper edge of body <b>62</b> such that upper edge of body <b>62</b> is snap-fit over the ledge <b>78</b>. More particularly, ledge <b>78</b> may include an aperture, recess, or other receiving element <b>80</b> configured to matingly receive a corresponding tab <b>82</b> secured to the upper edge of body <b>62</b>.

Recessed portion <b>76</b> may further include a protrusion <b>82</b> extending forwardly with respect to lid <b>24</b> and may include a lock receiving aperture <b>84</b>. Lock receiving aperture <b>84</b> is configured to receive a padlock, combination lock, or similar lock (not shown) therethrough. That is, the aperture <b>84</b> is sized and shaped to receive a hasp or other such locking element of the lock. As previously noted, latch element <b>28</b> includes a longitudinally extending recess <b>66</b>, which understandably may be provided to accommodate the lock in a relatively tight fitting manner such that the lock is closely held to the latch element <b>28</b>. Accordingly, as desired, when the latch element is engaged with the lid <b>24</b>, a user may insert a lock through the aperture <b>84</b> to prevent an unauthorized user from opening the lid <b>24</b> to access the cavity of the base <b>22</b>.

Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6</figref>, <b>12</b>A, and <b>12</b>B, lid <b>24</b> includes a pair of pins <b>86</b> proximate a rear edge thereof. Pins <b>86</b> are integrally formed with lid <b>24</b> and may include a generally circular cross section or any other such cross section capable of operating in the manner intended and as will be described herein. Understandably, lid <b>24</b> may include one or more additional pins <b>86</b> or may include only a single pin <b>86</b>, which may be centrally located along a length of lid <b>24</b>. Lid <b>24</b> may define apertures <b>88</b> between lid <b>24</b> and pins <b>86</b> for receiving a portion of hinge assembly <b>26</b> as will now be discussed.

Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8-12B</figref>, and initially <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8</figref>, and <b>9</b>, lid <b>24</b> is shown rotated about the hinge assemblies <b>26</b> to an open position. Momentarily referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, cavity <b>21</b> of the base <b>22</b> is illustrated. The cavity <b>21</b> according to the invention is generally rectangular in shape and may house any number of items therein. Understandably, storage container <b>20</b> according to the invention may be provided in any number of sizes and shapes in keeping with the spirit of the invention. In one construction of the present invention, base <b>22</b> may have a height of approximately 11 inches, a length of approximately 21 inches, and a width of between approximately 11.5 inches and 15.7 inches. Lid <b>24</b> may have a height of approximately 1.5 inches, a length of 21 inches and a width of approximately 15.7 inches. As can be appreciated, base <b>22</b> may have a tapered shape such that a width of the base <b>22</b> may be relatively narrow near bottom wall <b>38</b> and a relatively wider width as the base <b>22</b> extends from bottom wall <b>38</b>. Of course, base <b>22</b> may have a uniform width across the entirety thereof.

Now turning to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10</figref>, <b>11</b>A, and <b>11</b>B hinge assemblies <b>26</b> are shown in further detail. Hinge assemblies <b>26</b> are identically constructed and therefore reference to one of the hinge assemblies <b>26</b> applies equally to the other of the hinge assemblies. Hinge assemblies <b>26</b> are constructed from a plastic or similarly durable material through a separate process from that from which the lid <b>24</b> and base <b>22</b> are constructed. In at least one construction of storage container <b>20</b>, hinge assembly <b>26</b> is formed by way of an injection molding process of the kind generally known in the art.

Hinge assemblies <b>26</b> include a base engaging assembly <b>90</b> and a lid engaging assembly <b>92</b> for coupling the hinge assemblies <b>26</b> to the base <b>22</b> and lid <b>24</b> respectively. Base engaging assembly <b>90</b> includes a pair of hook elements <b>94</b> on opposing ends of hinge assemblies <b>26</b>. Hook elements <b>94</b> are configured to be received in a pair of corresponding apertures <b>96</b> in base <b>22</b>. Apertures <b>96</b> may be formed after the cooling and curing of base <b>22</b> subsequent to the molding or other such forming thereof. In particular, apertures <b>96</b> may be punched or otherwise formed through the wall of the base <b>22</b> and sized and shaped to receive hook elements <b>94</b>. Hook elements <b>94</b> may be integrally formed with hinge assemblies <b>26</b>. Understandably, hinge assemblies <b>26</b> may be arranged to include one or more additional hook elements <b>94</b> or may include only a single hook element <b>94</b> for coupling to a corresponding single aperture <b>96</b>. Of course, hinge assemblies <b>26</b> may be mounted to base <b>22</b> in another manner as well such as through alternative mechanical means or by way of an adhesive or similar such means. Hinge assemblies <b>26</b> further include a downwardly extending finger or pawl element <b>98</b> disposed at a lower edge thereof that is configured to engage an undercut portion <b>99</b> of base <b>22</b>. In this manner, the combination of pawl element <b>98</b> and hook elements <b>94</b> operate in opposition to one another to thereby secure hinge assemblies <b>26</b> in place to prevent the removal thereof.

Lid engaging assembly <b>92</b> is disposed at an upper edge of hinge assemblies <b>26</b> and includes a rearwardly facing receiver <b>100</b>. Receiver <b>100</b> may have a generally C-shaped construction and may include one or more receiver elements disposed adjacent one another and configured to operate in tandem. Receivers <b>100</b> are configured to be inserted through apertures <b>88</b> of lid <b>24</b> and snap fit over pins <b>86</b>.

Now referring back to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8 and 9</figref>, rotation of lid <b>24</b> about hinge assemblies <b>26</b> is shown. As illustrated, hinge assemblies <b>26</b> are configured to enable lid <b>24</b> to be rotated well past vertical, i.e. 90 degrees with respect to base <b>22</b>. In particular, hinge assemblies <b>26</b> are configured to enable rotation of lid <b>24</b> of approximately between 110 degrees and 230 degrees. In this manner, as best shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, lid <b>24</b> may be rotated such that a forward edge of lid <b>24</b> may come to rest on the support surface supporting storage container <b>20</b>. Of course, hinge assembly <b>26</b> may be configured such that the lid <b>24</b> does not come to rest on the ground or so that it may rotate to a lesser extent. In either case, hinge assembly <b>26</b> is configured such that lid <b>24</b> may be selectively removable from hinge assembly <b>26</b>. As receivers <b>100</b> are C-shaped, or some other such shape configured to allow for removal of pins <b>86</b> from hinge assemblies <b>26</b>, the lid <b>24</b> may be removed from hinge assemblies <b>26</b> by the user by simply pulling the lid <b>24</b> away from the hinge assembly <b>26</b> while lid <b>24</b> is in the open position. In addition, hinge assemblies <b>26</b> are configured such that the lid <b>24</b> may be removed when a particular load is applied to the lid <b>24</b>. In this manner, hinge assemblies <b>26</b> are not damaged due to excess torque applied thereto by lid <b>24</b>, but rather, lid <b>24</b> simply breaks away from hinge assemblies <b>26</b> and base <b>22</b>.

Turning now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, an exemplary illustration of a pair of bases <b>22</b> nested together for transport thereof is shown. Understandably, as desired, lids <b>24</b> may be removed from bases <b>22</b> to enable one or more additional bases to be nested or stacked together with a base <b>22</b>. In this manner, a number of bases <b>22</b> may be transported or stored in a relatively condensed manner. In such cases, as desired, lids <b>24</b> may simply be stacked on top of bases <b>22</b> for transport or disposed entirely separately therefrom.

In one preferred embodiment, six bases are nestably stacked together and then six lids are stacked on top of the topmost base. This “six pack” configuration is then shrink wrapped with plastic or otherwise packaged as a single unit for shipping. Once the “six pack” arrives at a retailer, the outer packaging is removed. The nested “six pack” is then displayed in stacked form for purchase by customer. At the point of purchase, the customer removes one lid from the top of the stack. The customer next removes one base to match the lid and proceeds to the checkout counter to purchase. Once the consumer arrives at its destination, the base and lid may be coupled for storage.

One method of constructing a storage container includes blow molding a base with a plurality of sides that define a cavity between the plurality of sides and a top opening. A lid may next be blow molded and configured to be received over the opening of the base. The lid preferably has at least one pin. At least one aperture is formed or punched into the base. A hinge assembly is then injection molded with a hook configured for engaging the at least one aperture in the base. The hinge is then preferably coupled to the base. At least one pin of the lid is next coupled to enable rotation of the lid with respect to the pin from a closed position to an open position. As mentioned above, the lid pin may be removed from the hinge assembly for shipping or storage.

There are virtually innumerable uses for the present invention, all of which need not be detailed here. Of course, this and all of the other disclosed embodiments can be practiced without undue experimentation.

Further, although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications, and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept. In addition, the individual components need not be fabricated from the disclosed materials, but could be fabricated from virtually any suitable materials. For example, construction materials for the container could be of: metal, glass, stone, resin, clay, a transparent material, or some other manmade material.

Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any shape, and assembled in virtually any configuration. Further, although various components as described herein as physically separate modules, it will be manifest that they may be integrated into the apparatus with which they are associated. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive.

It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims.